Zagat names top budget-friendly restaurant alternatives

Zagat, in partnership with USA Today, has compiled a list of restaurants that offer top-notch cuisine at a more affordable price than their elite counterparts. "Business travelers grabbing lunch on the go or seeking an affordable option for a business dinner don't need to sacrifice the quality of the food when seeking a moderate or inexpensive meal," said Zagat co-chairman Tim Zagat. Many of the lower-priced eateries are from the same chefs that populate the pricier lineup; the list suggests Charles Phan's Out the Door to San Francisco diners who may balk at the prices at his more upscale Slanted Door, for example.